Cap badge, other ranks, Royal Irish Rifles, 1902-1913

Die-struck brass badge in the form of an angel harp surmounted by a crown, with a flat vertical slider fitting.

This unit was formed in 1881 as the Royal Irish Rifles by merging two Irish line infantry regiments, the 83rd and 86th Regiments of Foot. Although neither of these two regiments had been rifle units, the new regiment was given that status and role. Its motto was 'Quis Separabit?', which translates as 'Who Shall Separate Us?'.

The brass version of the badge was replaced by an identical design in white metal from 1913. Irish independence in 1922 led to two changes for the regiment. 'Irish' was changed into 'Ulster' and it lost one of its recruiting counties, Louth, which became part of the Irish Free State. This also meant the scroll at the base of the badge was changed to 'Royal Ulster Rifles', with the rest of the design staying the same.

From the collection of Major H G Parkyn.